Rising since 2010, #5,861 for boys today.
Popularity of Nikan since 2008
Babies named Nikan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 68 |
| 2020s | 71 |
Meaning & origin
Nikan is a Persian name that entered U.S. naming records in 2008 and has shown a rising trajectory since 2010. In 2025, it reached its peak rank of 5,861, with approximately 1 in 113,872 boys receiving the name. The name has been most popular in California, reflecting the state's sizable Iranian-American community. Nikan is a relatively modern presence in American naming, but its roots run deep in Persian culture, where it conveys positive attributes like goodness and virtue.
Nikan is a Persian name derived from the word 'nik' meaning 'good' or 'virtuous'. It is a unisex name in Iran, though more common for boys in the U.S. The name has been used in Persian-speaking countries for generations and has seen increasing popularity among the Iranian diaspora.
Where Nikan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Niki
Sibling names for Nikan
Names that share Nikan's style, for a brother or sister.
